This post was originally published here on Oppida.co.
At Oppida, we often get the privilege to be involved in the initial decision to create a new online course with our clients. It’s an exciting time for a team of entrepreneurs who love talking strategy! Over the last few years, we have seen more and more solo-entrepreneurs reaching out for guidance as they brave the design and development of online courses to scale their great ideas. So, we have written and produced this short YouTube course that outlines the key 8 steps we recommend you take for optimising your online course launch strategy.
Each part is supported by a YouTube video tutorial with accompanying resources and worksheets (which we’ve also included here for you to access and download them all in one place) to help you get the most out of this online course launch strategy guideline. Use the worksheets to map your way from inception to finish using this detailed path.
The aim is that by following these steps you can save yourself lots of time and money! They outline the critical steps that we go through with all our clients to ensure we build engaging, quality, and market-ready online courses.
We also have an ebook coming soon that acts as a companion guide to the videos and dives into more depth at each module to help you get the most out of the strategy tips.
Part 1: Motivation
The assumption here is that you have some evidence of demand for your wisdom. Use this video to help ask yourself, “Why do you want to educate your customers?”
Motivation Youtube video and worksheet
We recommend that you take the time to fill in this Motivations Worksheet to ensure you optimise your online course launch strategy:
OPP02_Part 1: Motivations Worksheet
Resources mentioned in the video:
Simon Senik discussing his simple but powerful model for inspirational leadership, Start with Why, in a Tedx Talk.
Watch the full talk here: How great leaders inspire action
Part 2: Planning
The assumption here is that you have a plan and have something unique to say to the world. Use this video to help ask yourself, “How does this product fit into your overall business plan?”
Planning YouTube video and worksheets
We recommend that you take the time to complete Strategyzer’s Value Proposition Canvas and Business Model Canvas for your business to ensure you optimise your online course launch strategy:
Part 3: Market analysis
The assumption here is that you know who your competition is and understand the different business model options. Use this video to help ask yourself, “What is the willingness to pay and typical buying behaviour of your customers?”
Market analysis Youtube video and worksheet
We recommend that you take the time to fill in this Market analysis spreadsheet to ensure you optimise your online course launch strategy:
OPP02_Part 3_Market analysis spreadsheet template
Check out the pricing matrix too below as discussed in the video:
Part 4: Team building
The assumption here is that you have a strong sense of where your skills lie. Use this video to help ask yourself, “Who do I have in my team that will work on this project and what skills do they need?”
Team building Youtube video and worksheet
We recommend that you take the time to fill in this Team Building Worksheet:
OPP02_Part 4_Team building worksheet
Resources mentioned in the video:
The TPACK Venn diagram is a visual representation of the technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge — TPACK for short — as defined in 2006 by Mishra and Koehler (based upon the previous work of other authors). It is an educational theory developed to explain the comprehensive set of skills that teachers need to:
- Teach their students a subject
- Teach effectively
- Teach using technology
Check out some previously published Oppida blogs on this topic too:
Part 5: Learner experience
The assumption here is that you care that your learners complete the course, tell their friends, and stay engaged with your brand. Use this video to help ask yourself, “Who are your learners and how will they engage in the learning?”
Learner experience Youtube video and worksheet
Part 5: Learner experience video
We recommend that you take the time to complete at least 2 learner personas using this template:
OPP02_Part 5_Learner persona template
Check out some previously published Oppida blogs on this topic:
Part 6: Delivery mode
The assumption here is that you are open to designing some human facilitation into the course. Use this video to help ask yourself, “How will your learners stay engaged and what will they need throughout the experience?”
Delivery modes Youtube video and worksheet
We recommend that you take the time to complete the following worksheet:
OPP02_Part 6_Delivery modes worksheet
Resources mentioned in the video:
MindValley
MindValley is an online education company that extensively promotes self-improvement and growth for the mind, body, and spirit. The company creates engaging and well-designed online courses in various fields.
Part 7: Platform
The assumption here is that you are open to exploring the right platform for your needs. Use this video to help ask yourself, “What platform will ensure desired learner experience and fit within your budget?”
Platform Youtube video and worksheet
Resources mentioned in the video:
We recommend that you take the time to research and experiment with some of our favourite platforms:
Podia is a comprehensive digital storefront with features to help you store and sell online courses, downloads, and memberships. The platform also provides you with storage and bandwidth to host videos so that you don’t need to use Vimeo or Wistia.
Teachable is a learning management system (LMS) provider designed for bloggers, creatives and entrepreneurs who are looking to create and sell online courses to their audience or followers.
Mighty Networks is designed for those whose purpose is to bring together your community, online courses, marketing pages, and subscription commerce under your own brand.
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform for digital entrepreneurs and small businesses to create online courses, launch marketing campaigns, build landing pages, manage customers, and design websites.
OpenLearning provides a social online learning platform designed to help universities, businesses, and entrepreneurs to create, design, deliver, and market massive open online courses (MOOCs), short courses, and online degrees.
Check out Oppida’s free course called Designing Digital Learning too.
Part 8: Design
The assumption here is that you either have content already or some clear ideas on what you will teach. Use this video to help ask yourself, “How will all your ideas be best curated?”
Design Youtube video and worksheet
We recommend that you take the time to complete the Course Overview template provided:
OPP02_Part 8_Course overview template
If you feel like you can’t do this alone, have no fear! Sign up for a free consultation here with the Oppida team to get expert help with your online course launch strategy. We love helping organisations solve digital learning problems and create amazing elearning experiences through our services.
The Oppida team also has a deep understanding of how to navigate around the complexities of learning management systems. We enable you to get the most out of your chosen platform to engage learners at a deeper level with quality blended courses that bring the best elements of face-to-face teaching and instruction through exceptional learning design.
We wish you the best of luck!
At Oppida, we believe in creating dynamic learning environments through learning management systems which engage with your learners on a deeper level. Whether you’re at project inception or you’re struggling knee-deep to manage content deliverables, Oppida will tailor learning design support for you. Setup a quick consultation with our founder Bianca Raby and discover how we can help you project manage, design, develop and enhance your online courses from any stage in the course’s lifecycle. Also, sign up for our FREE Designing Digital Learning Course to better understand how to design for digital.
Writer’s Bio
Bianca is an experienced educator in K-12 and higher education. With a passion for learning design and online learning — she founded Oppida in 2019.
Follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn or be sure to visit her website here.
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